Musings on Wine and Spirits by Louis Marmon

As seen in:
Washington Post, Gazette Newspapers, DC Examiner, The Wine Report
Washington Jewish Week, LA Times, Jewish Exponent, Capitol File Magazine

Latest Article

Summer Food-Friendly Austrian White Wine Merits More Attention

July 27, 2011

Prager

A review of several Gruner Veltliners.

Gruner Veltliner is the primary Austrian white wine varietal. Grown mostly in the northeastern aspect of the country, “Gru-Vee” ranges from a light, slightly fizzy style suitable for immediate consumption to a lush wine with the structure to develop more complexity during cellaring. Sparkling Gruners are known by the German designation “Sekt.” Gruner’s characteristic fruitiness and signature pepper accent along with an inherent acidity make it a food-friendly wine, especially with summer fare.

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Slake Your Thirst With An Air Of Sophistication



Terra di Seta

A review of the Terra di Seta Chianti Classico 2008 and some summer cocktail suggestions.

Italians have been making wines for thousands of years. Chianti is one of their better wines, however it unfortunately suffers from the image of the straw-covered curved bottle festooned with wax drippings. But Chianti is much more than a restaurant candleholder. It can be elegantly complex and is a fabulous food wine, especially with Italian cuisine. The kosher Terra di Seta Chianti Classico 2008 ($19) is a delicious medium-bodied blend of 95 percent Sangiovese with 5 percent cabernet sauvignon. It displays cherry, coffee and cranberry aromas that lead into raspberry, blackberry and vanilla flavors, soft tannins and a silky-smooth finish with a touch of cocoa and spice. For an accompaniment, think grilled salmon or tuna, any tomato-based dish or your favorite burger.

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A Giant of a Wine and a Kiddush-Table Favorite

July 20, 2011

Balvenie Caribbean Cask

A review of the Brobdingnagian Syrah 2009 and the Balvenie Peated Cask 17 year old and Caribbean Cask 14 year old Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

Large estates in California, France, Italy, Spain, South America and Israel produce tens of thousands of cases of single varietal and blended wines. These vast operations are also great incubators for wine-making talent, providing ample opportunities to learn each aspect of the field. Many now-famous winemakers started their careers as cellar rats washing tanks and cleaning floors.

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Summertime And The Sipping Is Easy

July 13, 2011

Bulleit Rye

A review of the Cantine del Borgo Pinot Grigio 2010 and the Bulleit Rye Whiskey.

Pinot grigio is an ideal wine for summer sipping. One of Italy’s most popular white wines, the best Italian pinot grigios originate from the Alto-Adige, Veneto and Friuli regions. Recently a number of very good ones are being produced in other countries including the U.S., in California and Oregon, where they are often called pinot gris.

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A Kosher Taste Tour – From Western Australia to Kentucky

July 6, 2011

Maker's Mark 46

A review of the Beckett’s Flat Five Stones Sauvignon Blanc Semillion 2009 and the Maker’s Mark # 46.

The Beckett’s Flat Five Stones Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 ($15) is another one of those exceptional varietal marriages that the Australians do so well. A classic white Bordeaux blend, it has also found a home in the Western Australian Margaret River region where this combination of grapes produces a wine with outstanding flavors and character. This Aussie mevushal (boiled) kosher wine is richly aromatic with scents of apples, freshly cut grass and tropical fruit along with lively green apple, gooseberry and pineapple flavors with hints of herbs and lime. The finish is bright and mouth-filling, making it a great summer wine to enjoy with seafood or Asian flavored fare.

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